McEleney cuts ties with Pat's and targets return to Derry

12 October 2016 02:30 AM

Shane McEleney. Pic: Sportsfile

Defender Shane McEleney has cut his ties with St Patrick's Athletic after an unhappy spell with the Dublin club and is now being linked a a return to hometown side Derry City, writes Aidan Fitzmaurice.

The former Republic of Ireland U21 cap joined the Saints last year after a long stint with Derry but struggled this term and last appeared in a league game back in May.

McEleney has not even been in recent Saints squads and the club have now come to an agreement which allows the defender with a month left in the season. "I'm a free agent and I'm willing to come home," he told the Derry Journal.

"I want to get myself back in there and hopefully they (Derry) take an interest, I would never ever rule it out. If Derry came and made me an offer I would definitely consider going back.

"I'm a Derry fella and it's my hometown club. It's something I would never rule out and if they ever came knocking, I would never say no.

"I'm just hungry to get back playing again. That's it in a nutshell. I want to put myself back on the market and get back playing, wherever that may be."

After a poor season which saw them exit the FAI Cup at the semi-final stage and also fall off the pace in the title race and miss out on Europe, St Pat's are likely to make significant changes in the off season, with former Ireland international Keith Treacy also expected to leave the club.